In December, Austin Energy is set to launch an initiative that will elevate the city’s clean energy future.

As a leader in renewable energy, the utility will roll out its Solar Standard Offer program — a major move to boost Austin Energy’s renewable energy capacity and unlock significant opportunities for local businesses. With extensive rooftop space, abundant sunshine and an innovative electric utility, Austin Energy has a unique opportunity to add megawatts of rooftop solar power to the grid.

A Revolution in Solar Accessibility

The Solar Standard Offer program allows commercial property owners to either host solar panels on their rooftops or lease their roof space to third-party solar developers. The energy produced will be sold to Austin Energy, feeding directly into the City’s growing renewable energy supply, helping to power thousands of local homes — including those of low-income residents through the Community Solar Program.

If a business is leasing out its rooftop or parking lot space, there are no upfront costs for property owners. This means businesses can start to generate passive income immediately while simultaneously contributing to Austin's sustainability goals.

"The Solar Standard Offer is a game-changer," said Tim Harvey, Austin Energy Solar Program Manager. "This program empowers property owners, solar developers and the Austin community to work together toward a carbon-free future. It’s a major opportunity to meet our climate goals and create long-term value for everyone involved."

Austin Energy will compensate System Owners based on the energy their solar panels generate. Rates are set at $0.1124 per kWh for systems under 1 MW and $0.0841 per kWh for larger systems and reflect the cost-savings benefits for the utility by contracting with local solar providers. Rate adjustments every three years will ensure fair and competitive compensation.

The program kicks off in early December with specialized training sessions for solar contractors, followed by the official program application launch on Dec. 9. These trainings will equip local contractors to meet the growing demand for solar installations, ensuring the program hits the ground running and expands.

For more details on how to apply or how to get involved as a Participating Solar Contractor, a System Owner or Host, visit Austin Energy’s website.